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Science News for July 2, 2014


New insights into the treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror

Researchers provide new guidelines for treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach efforts that continue for at least two years. The study also highlights the crucial role of teachers in providing trauma-informed support, ensuring students can continue learning despite trauma.

SourceNorwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJul 2, 2014

Trial examines treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

A clinical trial found that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) experienced a significant reduction in seizures and improvements in related symptoms, including depression and anxiety, when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip) alone or in combination with the medication sertraline....

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2014

Major gaps in hepatitis C care identified as new drugs and screening efforts emerge

A new meta-analysis of 10 studies found that less than 10% of people infected with hepatitis C are cured, while only 50% were diagnosed and aware of their infection. The study highlights the need for improved screening efforts and increased access to treatment, particularly for baby boomers who may not be aware they have the disease.

Some stem cell methods closer to 'gold standard' than others

A new study finds that stem cells created by moving genetic material from a skin cell into an empty egg cell more closely resemble human embryonic stem cells than traditionally induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method, known as nuclear transfer, results in cells with fewer reprogramming issues and better gene expression patterns.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2014

A tale of a tail -- Kangaroos' powerful 'fifth leg'

A Simon Fraser University study found that kangaroos employ a unique pentapedal gait, utilizing their tail in combination with front and hind legs to generate significant propulsive force. This discovery sheds light on the importance of timing and positioning during movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 2, 2014

A 'magic moment' for unwed parents

A new study from Duke University found that unwed parents are more likely to marry when their child is young, with the 'magic moment' lasting longer than previously thought. However, the study also revealed that many of these marriages are fragile and do not last.

SourceDuke University·JournalDemography·DateJul 2, 2014

Purdue-designed tool helps guide brain cancer surgery

A Purdue-designed tool uses mass spectrometry to analyze brain tumor tissue, providing color-coded images that reveal the location and nature of tumor cells. The tool has been successfully used in two surgical procedures, offering a significant improvement over current methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2014

A million times better

Researchers at TUM and UT Austin developed nonlinear mirrors that reflect frequency-doubled output using input light intensity as small as a laser pointer. The new materials produce approximately one million times higher intensity of frequency-doubled output compared to traditional materials.

Hair from mummy's clothes provides insights into red deer lineage

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed Neolithic deer hair from the Tyrolean Iceman's clothing to shed light on red deer lineage. The results indicate that Alpine Copper Age red deer falls within the western European lineage, contrasting with current populations in the Italian Alps which belong to the eastern lineage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2014

Stem cell type resists chemotherapy drug

A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalExperimental Cell Research·DateJul 2, 2014

Hollow optical fibers for UV light

Researchers have developed a new type of optical fiber that can guide UV laser light without being damaged. The fiber has a hollow core with a diameter of 20 µm, which allows for single-mode transmission and reduces loss. This breakthrough enables new applications in precision spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and process plasmas.

New approach for tuberculosis drugs

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach for tuberculosis drugs, inspired by the bacteria-derived antibiotic pyridomycin. The new molecule is more stable and easier to produce synthetically, offering a potential solution to multidrug-resistant strains.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 2, 2014

Reinterpreting dark matter

New research opens up possibility that dark matter governs structure across whole universe, resolving puzzles in galaxy cores and formation timing. The theory suggests large stationary waves of dark matter called solitons could explain observed phenomena.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 2, 2014

Superconducting-silicon qubits

Theorists propose using a bottom-up approach to create hybrid quantum devices by placing superconducting regions within silicon crystals. This could combine the benefits of both silicon spin qubits and superconducting circuits, enabling more robust qubit designs.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2014

The Lancet: Largest study to date finds insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes

The OpT2mise trial found that insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients using the pumps achieved a significantly greater reduction in average blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycaemia.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 2, 2014

UCLA addresses 'lost in translation' issues in Chinese medicine

The UCLA Center for East–West Medicine has published a document to help students, educators, and practitioners evaluate and digest Chinese medical texts with greater sensitivity and comprehension. The 15-page document addresses translation-specific issues, technical terminology, and cultural perspective to promote accurate translations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Integrative Medicine·DateJul 2, 2014

Genetic study reveals vulnerability of northwest dolphins

A recent genetic study found that northwest dolphins in Australia are more vulnerable to environmental change and localised extinctions due to their isolated populations. The researchers urge management agencies to preserve corridors for individuals to travel between populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2014

Veterans with muscle injuries and mental health conditions more likely to end service

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that 60% of U.S. Army soldiers who couldn't return to a military career after an Iraq deployment had a muscle, bone or joint injury and nearly half had a mental health diagnosis. The strongest predictors of inability to continue serving were musculoskeletal conditions, psychological diagnoses, a...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 2, 2014

Hypertension, antihypertension medication, risk of psoriasis

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that women with long-term hypertension are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis. Long-term use of beta-blocker medication also increases the risk of psoriasis. The study analyzed data from 77,728 women and found a significant association between hypertension and psoriasis risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJul 2, 2014